MAGHULL Town Hall looks set to be the location of a brand new leisure centre for Sefton East.

MAGHULL Town Hall looks set to be the location of a brand new leisure centre for Sefton East.

Molyneux councillor and Sefton Borough Council leader, Tony Robertson, told Maghull & Aintree Star this week he is "more optimistic than ever" the public will be able to view plans for the much-needed facility before the end of the year, when a final decision could be made.

A briefing from Sefton Council's leisure department revealed some of the funding plans and possible look of the centre.

Cllr Robertson said: "We have made more progress in the past six months than in the past 17 years.

"I am more optimistic about this leisure centre now than I have been for a long time, but we still have hurdles to clear, and I don't want to build anybody's hopes up.

"We are at the stage now where we can get plans made up for the public to look at, and hopefully get a 'yes' or 'no' by Christmas..

"A funding package will be necessary too, although this is not necessarily linked to planning permission.

"However, it is more likely planning permission will be given if a funding package is already there."

An independent survey found the Hall Lane site a prime location over three other potential plots.

It is understood a full report has now been passed to Cllr Lord Ronnie Fearn, Sefton's cabinet member for leisure and tourism.

If given the go-ahead, contributions for the centre are also expected from town and parish councils, while Maghull Town Council will lease the land to Sefton at a minimum rate.

Barry Smith, clerk of Maghull Town Council, confirmed it was "likely" a leisure centre would be built on land next to the town hall, although it was dependent on many variables.

Mr Smith told the Maghull & Aintree Star: "If Sefton Council build a leisure centre here, on terms which can be agreed by everybody, we will lease the land to Sefton at a peppercorn rent."

Molyneux ward councillor Jack Colbert has welcomed the prospect of a leisure centre, and its positive effect on anti-social behaviour.

He said: "Leisure centres are everywhere around the borough. East Sefton is the only piece in the jigsaw puzzle that is missing.

"This this will get our kids off the streets and they can go on to take part in activities which could see them represent Sefton, or possibly Great Britain."